Lower School

Lower School Uniforms

School uniform and dress code standards play an integral role in our desire to foster an atmosphere
in which children can grow to their full potential in Jesus. The way children feel about themselves,
the manner in which they approach their work and even how they respond to the Lord can be
affected by dress and physical appearance.

Our purpose in having specific standards for dress is primarily to help students focus on developing
Christ-likeness within themselves so that they may have that "incorruptible beauty of a gentle and
quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (I Peter 3:4) Observing the dress code
standards set by the school also trains students to respond properly to authority as a mirror of their
relationship to Jesus.

Appropriateness for the Christian school environment is a primary consideration in the matter of
dress. Often in the world, people use clothing as a status symbol or as a means of drawing attention
to themselves or of identifying themselves with a particular subculture. The inevitable result is
separation. God, however, desires unity in His body – the church – and in the ministries of the
church, including the school. Because we desire our students to care for and interact with one
another without regard to racial, economic, or other differences, it is important that they not use
their clothing as a means of unnecessarily distinguishing themselves from their peers. By removing
attention from what everyone is wearing, we intend for students to focus on the real reasons they are
in our school, namely, to grow spiritually and academically.

The intent of the dress code is not to create problems but to alleviate them. Because a high standard
has been set, we must all – students, parents, and teachers – work diligently to maintain it. Our
children will benefit from knowing that they are operating within clearly defined boundaries. Parents
assist greatly in this process by regularly checking their children before they leave home. Ultimate
authority in determining whether or not apparel meets the criteria of the dress code lies with the
school administration.

There will be NO excuses for student violations of the uniform and dress code standards of
Charlotte United Christian Academy. Students and parents are expected to follow the policy exactly.
Violations will be viewed as intentional and dealt with on that basis. Any student whose dress is
considered inappropriate by the administration of Charlotte United will not be admitted to classes,
and will receive zeros for any work missed in those classes, until the student changes into an
acceptable change of clothing either provided by the school or brought by the parent to the school.
Violations that do not require a change of clothing to correct will be handled under the behavior and
discipline policy of the school. Standards of modesty, decency, and appropriateness apply to
students’ attire at all times, including school sponsored “dress down” days.

Ladies

Gentlemen

Shirts

Uniform shirts with our logo - Assorted colors and styles

Any shirts worn under the uniform polo must be completely covered by the uniform shirt and not
hang out from the bottom hem line or sleeves.

NO CLEAVAGE, NO CLEAVAGE, NO CLEAVAGE, AND NO FORM-FITTING TOPS!

Uniform shirts – polo shirts with our logo

Undershirts must be solid white with no emblems, logos, or writing. Undershirt sleeves
may not protrude from under shirt sleeves. ALL shirts must be tucked into pants (all the
way around) and remain tucked in throughout the day, even if they are under a sweater or
Charlotte United sweatshirt.

Pants

Black or Khaki, capris, pants and shorts (must be knee length)

They are not to be for fitting. You must be able to comfortably pinch at least 1 inch of material from the side, front, and
back of the pants or they will be considered too tight. At no time should underwear or underwear
lines be visible. No denim style pants of any color. No Cargo pants, no baggy legs, flare legs,
frayed hems, decorative stitching, chains, or loops are permitted. Spandex or cotton knit materials,
jeans and athletic pants may not be worn. Pants with belt loops exposed must be worn with a belt.

Black or Khaki walking shorts and pants.

All shorts are to be knee length. No jeans, athletic
pants, cargo pants or any pants with patch pockets, decorative stitching, chains, or extra zippers; no
wide-leg or baggy style pants and no holes or frayed edges will be permitted. All pants must be
worn at the waist and have a belt. Boxer shorts or other underwear may not e visible at any time.
Belt: A leather or canvas belt of black or brown is mandatory. Belts must be of appropriate length
and tucked into all belt loops.

Skirts

Solid black or khaki skirts are acceptable as long as they are of appropriate length and are not
form-fitting.

No skirt may be shorter than the knee and no slit (front, back, or side) may open above
the knee. No writing may appear on any skirt. You must be able to comfortably pinch at least 1 inch
of material from the side, front, and back of the skirt – Otherwise it will be considered too tight.
Skirts worn over pants or other skirts are not acceptable.

N/A

Shoes

Dress shoes, dress sandals, dress boots, and tennis shoes may be worn. No combat boots,
Birkenstocks, jellies, crocks, no flip-flops of any kind, or other beach sandals. No heels over 2”,
no spike heels, shoes with eyelets must be fully laced and tied at all times.

Dress shoes or tennis shoes are acceptable. No sandals, flip-flops or other beach shoe,
clogs, crocks, loud or pastel colored shoes or shoes with patterns or designs. Shoes with eyelets
must be fully laced and tied at all times.

Hair

No extreme hairstyles or hair accessories and no unnatural colors

Hair must be neatly trimmed to the top of the ear and not fall below the eyebrow or shirt
collar. No long sideburns, dreadlocks, extreme styles, unnatural colors, or designs cut in to the hair.
Neatly trimmed beards and mustaches are permitted.

Make-up/Jewelry

Make-up may only be worn at Charlotte United by girls in seventh grade or higher. Decisions
regarding if or when to wear make-up to school should be made by the student with her parents. If,
however, a faculty member considers a girl's make-up to be too excessive for school, the student will
be required to remove it. The same rule also applies to fingernail length and color of polish

No earrings or body-piercing of any kind is permitted. No tattoos.

Jewelry may include a single masculine style necklace and/or bracelet. No large or heavy
chains or dog-collar styles may be worn. Designs that are inappropriate for the Christian school
environment are not permitted.

No coats, jackets, hooded sweatshirts, zip-front sweatshirts, scarves, gloves, mittens, hats or
other outerwear may be worn in the classroom except for the Charlotte United sponsored items.

It is especially important to understand that the school administration may view a student’s attire differently than the
parent or student. The final determination on matters of dress code compliance, however, remains with the
administration. The aim in having and enforcing the dress code at Charlotte United Christian School is to direct
students’ focus on pleasing God in all areas of their lives so they may experience both academic success and spiritual
growth.

Standards of modesty and appropriateness as outlined in the dress code also apply on school-sponsored
dress down days. There will be no form-fitting clothing of any kind, no short-shorts, or
mini-skirts, and no offensive or distasteful messages displayed on clothing or jewelry. The same
consequences for dress code violations apply to violations on dress down day. In addition, students
who violate the guidelines will not be permitted to participate in the next dress down event.

P.E. Uniforms

Lower School: PE Shirts and appropriate black athletic shorts or pants. On PE days, lower
school students (K-5) must wear their PE uniform for the day.